A recent study presented at Digestive Diseases Week (DDW) 2025 has highlighted a significant health concern: using your smartphone while on the toilet may substantially increase your risk of developing hemorrhoids.
Study Findings: Smartphone Use and Hemorrhoid Risk
Researchers from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston conducted a survey involving 125 adults undergoing colonoscopies. The study revealed that 66% of participants reported using their smartphones on the toilet, with 93% of these individuals engaging in this behavior at least once or twice weekly. Notably, 43% of all participants had hemorrhoids detected during their colonoscopy. After adjusting for factors such as age, sex, body mass index, exercise, and fiber intake, the study found that smartphone use on the toilet was associated with a 46% increased risk of hemorrhoids.
Time Spent and Activities on the Toilet
The study also found that smartphone users were more likely to spend extended periods on the toilet. Specifically, 37.3% of smartphone users spent over six minutes per visit, compared to only 7.1% of non-users. Common activities included reading news (54.3%), browsing social media (44.4%), and emailing or texting (30.5%).
Health Implications
Prolonged sitting on the toilet can increase pressure on the rectal veins, potentially leading to hemorrhoid development. Hemorrhoids, or piles, are swollen veins in the lower rectum and anus, which can cause discomfort, itching, and bleeding. Other contributing factors include straining during bowel movements, constipation, and pregnancy.
Hygiene Concerns
Beyond the risk of hemorrhoids, using smartphones in the bathroom raises hygiene concerns. Smartphones can accumulate bacteria from hands and bathroom surfaces, potentially leading to infections. Flushing the toilet can aerosolize fecal particles, which may settle on your phone and hands, increasing the risk of germ transmission.
By being mindful of your bathroom habits and limiting smartphone use during toilet time, you can reduce the risk of developing hemorrhoids and maintain better overall health.
